Reviewed by: BizS ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Just rode this last week, and the climb up was much easier in cooler weather (we made it in ~1.7 hours). It sure is a grind, but the payoff--delicious singletrack, is worth it. Things (especially the downhill parts) are MUCH easier the 2nd or 3rd time down--since we knew what to expect. Sections that we hiked down (like some of the steep downhills) we now ride down. The tight switchbacks at the bottom of some of the downhills towards the end are very tough. They have now installed a white trail-head marker at the start of the trail (it was very confusing before). Yes, the initial climb is full of pain, but it certainly whips you into shape!

Recommended Route:
I would consider doing this as an out and back--to start off at the base of the Kachess Ridge trail, pedal up the singletrack, then back down again. Forget the fireroad unless you just want a workout...

Reviewed by: Rude Dog ,  Cross Country Rider , from Seattle

Summary:
I rode this one time last fall and again this past weekend. The climb is long but the grade is very doable. Not as steep as the corral pass climb. Great views of Rainier on the ascent. Best to start early though, because the sun really heats things up past 10am. Before then, and the majrity of the ride is in the shade. The hike-a-bike section was quite a bit longer than I remember at the saddle and required a good rest on the other side. After that, it is ~8 miles of 99% ridable downhill through alpine meadows and woods. Couple very easy stream crossings. Beware of large patches of shale and dirt that rides like slippery sand. . .I took a digger of a 10' dropoff and got lucky. Really no climbing at all the whole way down. Saw one other guy the whole time and it was Labor Day!
Great ride, but tooooooo long for our dogs. Feet got torn up on all the rocks.
This is probably my favorite ride around.

Reviewed by: retrostude ,  Weekend Warrior , from Lake Stevens, WA

Summary:
A fun ride but frankly we were just a hair over our heads in every category (technically, physically, etc.), all in all it improved our skills a bit. Wish I had full susp., my 13 yr old Cannondale was a handful (better brakes recommended too).

Recommended Route:
We rode up 4818 and 4824, singletrack down. The latter climbs 2500'+ in about 4-1/2 miles so bring lots of water and legs. It is possible to get shuttled up but that's cheating... the foot climb out of the meadow (after the end of the 4824 road) sucks but the singletrack after makes up for it. Even the roots were bone dry (good traction) so in that respect we felt lucky. Met lots of people, including a father/son hiking that gave us their extra water, thanks Guys! We spent 4 hrs rolling plus lots of breaks; allocate at least 6 hrs total unless you are really in top physical condition (we aren't).

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Gave this a 4 because Devils Gulch is a true 5.

Reviewed by: doug grabski ,  Cross Country Rider , from Bellevue, WA

Summary:
A delicious singletrack fireroad loop one hour from Seattle (drive fast). Contrary to Zilly's book on Mtn. biking the Seattle area I strongly urge that you ride the fireroad up and the singletrack down. The steep switchbacks can be cleaned without skidding and tearing up the trail. I rode this trail once last year, and wasnt afforded any of the views, but the climb was long and steep, and the singletrack was premium. I look forward to riding this trail again this summer. Check it our, you wont be disappointed.